Dietary intervention for gastroparesis in systemic sclerosis

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Pilot study to investigate tolerability and efficacy of dietary manipulation in patients with gastroparesis and systemic sclerosis

  • IRAS ID

    227397

  • Contact name

    Theresa Barnes

  • Contact email

    theresa.barnes@nhs.net

  • Sponsor organisation

    Countess of Chester Hospital

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 0 months, 0 days

  • Research summary

    Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune condition characterised by deposition of collagen within the skin and systemic tissues. The gastrointestinal tract is the second most commonly affected organ in systemic sclerosis and deposition of collagen within the stomach can lead to gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying). The development of gastroparesis can lead to significant morbidity and mortality and is associated with gastrointestinal symptoms including upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, bloating and poor appetite and nutritional consequences such as weight loss and micronutrient deficiencies. Few studies have investigated interventions with the aim of improving symptoms and reducing nutritional impact. The purpose of our pilot study is to investigate the tolerability and efficacy of implementation of a gastroparesis-specific diet over a one month period in patients with gastroparesis and systemic sclerosis. Our primary aim is to investigate adherence to the diet (measured by monitoring food intake during the course of the trial with subject completed food diaries). We will also investigate whether dietary changes can lead to improved gastrointestinal symptoms, increased weight, reduced malnutrition scores and improve blood parameters of nutrition. If the diet is found to be tolerable and effective, our work has the potential to improve symptoms and nutrition in patients with systemic sclerosis and can be extrapolated to patients with other forms of gastroparesis.

  • REC name

    North West - Greater Manchester South Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    17/NW/0480

  • Date of REC Opinion

    8 Sep 2017

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion